Methods of Judicial Selection: Washington

Removal of Judges

Washington judges may be removed in one of two ways:

Judges may be removed from office by joint resolution of the legislature, in which three fourths of the members of each house must concur.

The commission on judicial conduct investigates complaints of judicial misconduct or disability and recommends to the supreme court that the judge be suspended, removed, or retired. The supreme court makes the final decision after reviewing the commission's record and hearing argument on the matter.